Photo by Martin Tessler
Designing with opposites
Striking a balance between opposites—natural versus ordered, bountiful versus minimal, for example—can result in a surprisingly satisfying garden design. Try one of these tips to get started.
* **Contrast styles:** If your home is modern, such as an urban steel and glass loft, you could develop a natural, luxuriantly informal terrace garden. For a smaller-scale project, set an avant-garde piece of contemporary art against a decades-old beech hedge.
* **Contrast textures:** Intermingle concrete, granite or flagstone blocks or squares with grasses to create contrasting textures in pathways, steps or terraces. Or try incorporating fences or railings made of man-made materials such as concrete, stucco or metal instead of cedar or other wood to contrast with organic plantings.
* **Contrast container arrangements:** Outfit starkly geometric planters with effusive blooms such as fuchsias and mallows or a lush mix of foliage. Alternatively, fill an ornate container with architectural plants such as castor beans or ornamental grasses.
(continued below)
Be the first to comment on "Designing with opposites "
Editor's note: This is a moderated forum, so your comments won't appear until approved by the moderator. Please help us foster a friendly environment by keeping your posts civil and on-point. We reserve the right to delete comments that include foul language, personal attacks on others, sales solicitations or any other inappropriate content. Posted comments reflect the opinions of the poster, not of gardeninglife.ca. Read our privacy policy for more information.